Raid at the house of former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik

CBI conducted raids at over 30 locations, including properties associated with former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik, as part of an investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the award of a ₹2,200 crore contract for civil works at the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project (HEP) to a private firm in the Union Territory.

The probe focuses on irregularities in the allocation of the project, situated along the Chenab river in Kishtwar district, which has a generating capacity of 624 megawatts. Officials familiar with the matter revealed that the searches at Malik's premises are part of an ongoing investigation initiated in April 2022.

The investigation stems from allegations of malpractices raised by the Jammu and Kashmir government, leading to the CBI registering a case on April 20, 2022. It is alleged that the contract was awarded without adhering to prescribed guidelines for e-tendering.

Former Governor Satya Pal Malik has countered the accusations, claiming he was offered a ₹300 crore bribe to expedite clearance for two files, one of which pertained to the controversial power project.

Posting on social media site X, Satyapal Malik wrote, I am ill for the last 3-4 days and am admitted in the hospital. Despite this, my house is being raided by the dictator through government agencies. My driver and my assistant are also being raided and harassed unnecessarily. I am a farmer's son, I will not be afraid of these raids. I am with the farmers.